(NOAH) Sugiura, frustrated by stagnation of the belt, does he want to "exile"?

12th January 2020
Tokyo Sports

Noah's GHC National Champion, Takashi Sugiura (49), has hinted that hey may bring the belt to another promotion.
The first champion of the title, which was newly established last year, succeeded in his second defence after defeating Masa Kitamiya at Korakuen Hall on the 4th. He said, "I will raise it higher", but at present there has been no other wrestler that has come forwards to challenge for it.

Seemingly unable to hide his irritation with the stagnation of the championship front he said, "No interest, right? If no one raises his hand, shall I go elsewhere? Where to go to cause excitement?"
He was not calm after the second defence, as he made a statement that he was conscious of New Japan Pro Wrestling performing next door at the Tokyo Dome.

Moreover, at New Japan KENTA (38), who was once a part of Noah, bought the house down at The Tokyo Dome. At Osaka Castle Hall on 9th February, he will challenge the double champion (IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion), Tetsuya Naito (37).
Sugiura praised KENTA saying, "It looks like Ken-chan is going for it. Motivated? Entirely. I don't think you could do it if you heart wasn't in it."
However, there is a possibility that by the time KENTA wins the double crown, he could aim at developing a "three belt unity match".

"The unification match is being done there (Osaka Castle), and it can't be done unless I go there, and since I have my own Kenta (dog), you can still call our names", Sugiura said about the risk of the supposed development.

In the event of the "exile" of the champion, it is inevitable that a tremor will hit the industry, not just Noah. Sugiura has set a limit, "This month. If no one comes out at Korakuen at the event on the 30th".
He has set the timescale, but...

Link to original article from Tokyo Sports
Picture credit: Tokyo Sports